She got home earlier than she wanted — but there was nowhere else to be. No one was around to hang out. No one was there to celebrate. It was just her, as usual. Sabine was off doing society stuff. Liam had to study. Ravyn was working a gig, and that was too much for her to interrupt. Talia was gaming and had just… forgotten.
Life went on. Her birthday would come and go like any other. Even her family forgot — or so she told herself. In truth, they just didn’t care enough to remember.
She crossed to the window, open despite the Halloween chill, and lit a single candle. Its tiny flame danced as she whispered to the night sky and the watching moon:
"Help my fire burn… my spark kindle… help me find my firelight."
Then she climbed into bed wearing only a t-shirt and shorts — no bra tonight. Hormones had made that a luxury she could finally allow herself. But it wasn’t enough. She needed more. She craved more.
As midnight crept closer, a soft wind stirred through the open window. And then, from somewhere deeper than the night itself, came a voice that could have frozen anyone’s blood:
"I am here. Your fire is lit, little lioness."